Kove Moto UK has announced James Hillier and WTF Racing will take on the 2025 Dakar Rally in January onboard the Kove 450 Rally EX.

Jame Hillier might be better known for his success on tarmac at the Isle of Man TT, but he is also no stranger to off-road racing. His CV includes the Erzbergrodeo, Weston beach Race, most recently the International Six Days Enduro (on this bike!) and already an Originals finish at the Dakar Rally – despite a broken shoulder.

Enduro21 caught up with James at the 2022 Dakar for our YouTube channel: IOM TT to Dakar – James Hillier interview at the 2023 Dakar Rally

2025 will see the 39-year-old tackle the Dakar for the second time with the support of Kove Moto UK.

“Clearly the aim first and foremost is to finish,” says Hillier, “but now I have proper backup and support this time, I can really focus on the riding and not conserving energy for the work between the stages.

“Thanks to Alan and Paul at WTF and Kove’s support both here in the build-up and with the factory when we get to Saudi Arabia, I feel more ready for the challenge than ever. I can’t wait to get started and see what we can do.”

The valuable experience for Hillier is more than matched by Kove who continue to learn and upgrade their bikes, eager to prove themselves at one of the world’s toughest and most gruelling events. The Chinese manufacturer already has two Dakar’s under its belt as a factory team with Mason Klein also racing a 450 Rally EX at the ’24 race in Saudi Arabia.

Lee Westbrook of Kove Moto UK commented, “We are delighted to join forces with James and the WTF Racing team for Dakar 2025. James has proven his pedigree already in the Dakar in the toughest class, where he was maintaining his own bike. For 2025 with the support of WTF Racing and Kove, he can now truly focus on the job at hand with full backup and support throughout. We wish James the very best of luck.”

Hillier has already been racing the Kove 450 Rally EX at the recent ISDE in Spain to gain valuable riding time on the 450 Rally ahead of the Dakar which kicks off on January 3 in Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

Hillier will continue testing on his Kove 450 Rally, including road book training and various checks, before the bike and race trucks head to Barcelona for scrutineering and onto the ship on November 30.

Photo Credit: Kove Moto UK + Future7Media